There are few things as satisfying as making your own preserves. Whether it be jams, jellies, marmalades or pickles, there’s just something about that, that makes me glow with pride. I feel like the ultimate domestic goddess when I go through the process of taking fresh produce and preserving it for later use and even more so when I get to stock the fridge and pantry with these bottles of home-made deliciousness.
I have been meaning to make pickled cucumber forever and when the green grocer I always go to had a buy-1-get-1-free special a while ago, I knew it was a sign. I decided on a pickling liquid (if that’s even what it’s called) flavoured with fresh dill, dill and coriander seed and garlic. I also wanted it to be a sweet and sour liquid like the pickles that I loved growing up. I used two enormous cucumbers for this batch and they have already been finished because they are positively addictive. They work incredibly well on burgers and I now have plans of taking this same liquid and pickling onions and jalapeños with it. Delicious pickles for all!!
Home-made pickled cucumber
Ingredients
for the pickling liquid
- 3 cups 750ml white grape vinegar
- 2 cups 500ml water
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 3 tablespoons sea salt flakes
- 2 tablespoons dill seeds
- 1 tablespoons coriander seeds
for the pickles
- 2 large cucumbers sliced (I used a crinkle cutter)
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- large handful fresh dill
Instructions
- To make the pickling liquid, combine the ingredients in a saucepan and allow to come up to the boil.
- In sterilised jars, layer the cucumber, garlic and dill then top with the hot liquid.
- Close the jars tightly and allow to cool to room temperature. Place the pickles in the fridge and allow to stand for at least 2 days before serving.
- These pickles will keep, unopened for up to 2 months.
Hiya, I brought a jar of pickling vinegar to pickle green chillis as I have a freezer full of them, Firstly is the pickling vinegar just as good as the grape and cider vinegar.Secondly it i defrosted the chillis would they be any good or is it best just to use fresh chillis. thanks.
Definitely use fresh chillies. The pickling vinegar will work perfectly.
Made it 3 years running. The best pickles I’ve ever eaten!
Hi, can this recipe be hot bath canned so I don’t need to refrigerate until I want to eat them?
It can, I haven’t tested it that way yet though so can’t guarantee success.
Hi,
How long do they last when opened? Do they lose their crunch from the hot water being poured over?
No their crunch is great and they last around 2 weeks in the fridge once opened.
can i use red wine vinegar
Yes, you can!
Hi
Is white wine vinegar the same as grape vinegar?
No but you can use them interchangeably without too much difference.
I have never heard of white grape vinegar, and doubt I can get it in my city. Is there a substitute? I want sooo much to be able to make a sweet and sour dill pickle! Regular dill pickles just don’t do it for me. Thanks!
Any white vinegar (except white Balsamic) will work for these pickles.
I hope you like these! Let me know once you’ve tried them!
I have never made my own picked cucumbers though I can literally eat a bottle of pickled cucumbers in one sitting!! Will be trying soon!
Ooooeee! I have been looking for a good home made cucumber pickle recipe for a while now! Can’t wait to try out this one! Looks good!
Please let me know what you think once you’ve tried it! 🙂
do you need to refrigerate after putting in jars or only when you want to eat them, do they last out of refrigerator
Unless the jars are sterilized and canning instructions are followed it is not recommended to store these outside of the fridge.